Tag Archives: buy

Prices and sales continue to rise in affluent neighborhoods, but decrease or remain flat in others.

April 14, 2014: Although it has been two years since Philadelphia house prices hit their post-recession bottom, its recovery has not only proceeded in fits and starts, but has also been unevenly—and inequitably—spread across the City’s neighborhoods. The latest stats continue to confirm this trend, indicating improved market conditions in either relatively high-income or gentrifying areas, but continued stagnation or even decline in the rest of the City. The average house value in Philadelphia declined by 4% in Q1, according to the latest data from the City’s Recorder of Deeds. However, this citywide average blends price increases in some neighborhoods with price decreases in others.

House prices generally increased in Philadelphia’s more affluent or revitalizing neighborhoods, but fell in most remaining parts of the City, with the poorest neighborhoods experiencing the largest declines. From smallest to largest, the average change in house prices by neighborhood in Q1 were: West Philadelphia (-17.5%), North Philadelphia (-12.9%), Kensington/Frankford (-6.1%), Upper Northeast Philadelphia (-5.9%), Lower Northeast Philadelphia (-5.7%), Northwest Philadelphia (-2.2%), South Philadelphia (+2.5%), University City (+2.7%) and Center City/Fairmount (+6.8%).

The median house price in Philadelphia fell to $110,000 in Q1, a 13% decrease from $127,000 in the previous quarter.

Home sales volume continued to increase this past quarter on a seasonally-adjusted basis, although activity remains relatively skewed towards the higher-priced vicinities of the City. There were 3,148 arms-length transactions in Q1, up from 2,849 a year ago and up from 2,503 in their post-recession low three years ago. While sales activity is trending positively, overall volume still remains below its historic average of approximately 3,800 sales per quarter. Notably, however, sales of million-dollar homes continue to run well above their historic average, providing further evidence that Philadelphia’s housing recovery remains skewed towards the upper segment of the market.

Although price changes remain varied across neighborhoods, this quarter’s citywide average decline has returned Philadelphia’s house price index to near its post-recession low of two years ago. Currently, the index has a value of 375.4, which is only slightly above its value of 372.0 in 2012 Q2.

Inventories of homes listed for sale also continued their decline in Q1. Currently, there are 6,798 homes listed for sale in the city, which is very close to the pre-bubble historic average of approximately 6,000, and down significantly from its peak of over 12,000 back in 2006. This decline in surplus inventory combined with the upward trend in sales activity should provide some optimism that supply and demand are continuing to move towards being back in balance with each other.

To what extent this quarter’s mixed numbers may be attributable to the adverse effects of an exceptionally cold polar vortex-induced winter is unclear. However, while some neighborhoods in Philadelphia appear to be in full resurgence, the lack of citywide price appreciation stands in marked contrast to those of most other U.S. cities.

According to Case-Shiller’s house price indices for the twenty largest U.S. cities, price recovery remains strong and steady in most other cities, compared to Philadelphia’s variance and unevenness. That Philadelphia’s recovery will continue in this way for the near future is supported by the most recent house price forecast from Zillow, which is projecting Philadelphia’s house prices to rise only 1.3% over the course of the next twelve months, while forecasting a 3% increase for the U.S. as a whole.

Looking to buy a newly constructed, modern and spacious home? Located on the 2500 block of Sepviva Street these homes offer a great space for newly weds, families or anyone looking for a custome luxury home at a great price. Offering black brick facade, 9′ ceilings, finished basement, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, a large yard and more. Check out the renderings. We like the look of these modern homes and the neighborhood is convenient to everything the City has to offer.

Starting at $315,000 these are priced competitively on the market in a growing area of north Philadelphia. Want more information? Contact Larry at LiveLovePhilly for further details.

What used to be home to South Philadelphia Florists is now on the market. Including the 4 apartments in the same building. Located at 10th and Wharton, the asking price on this property is a pretty penny, coming in at close to $590K. All four apartments are included in the asking price but notes suggest that the floral shop could be sold separately. This location is a high foot traffic area as Pat and Geno’s are right down the block across from the active Capitolo Playground. So who wants to stop and smell the flowers?!

(Photo Source: nakedphilly.com)

Flowers on your mind?! Maybe you’d like to invest in a smaller space – formerly a flower shop and private residence. An ideal location right across from the singing fountain in East Passyunk, this listing iz zoned for commercial use and could be used in a variety of ways (commercial on three floors, commercial on first and second with living quarters on the third floor, etc., etc…) Options are endless! This might be the best location in all of Passyunk Square! All it needs is your vision and some TLC. Please view more info on this listing or contact Larry Levin.

If you’re a vintage and/or antique collector your weekend’s just got a little sweeter. Recently opened, Nostalgia is located at 704 s. 5th Street (5th and Bainbridge) and offers all ends of vintage memorabilia ranging from sunglasses to cameras. This boutique will also be showcasing local artists throughout the year along with many other in store events. Get your shop on before heading to the Good King Tavern for some drinks and french inspired eats.

Located at 7th and Kater, Good King Tavern‘s recent opening has triggered some talk around the neighborhood. Offering some cuisine diversity, we feel this is a great addition to Bella Vista. So go ahead, take a Saturday to stroll and get your grub on while wearing your new vintage shades!

Recently reported by Passyunk Post, Pennsport may have some new community members moving in. Although you won’t get to meet your new neighbors just yet! At 6th and Federal, what was once an old PECO Substation has the community buzzing at the talk of 11 new apartments to occupy this building. This location has sat empty for what feels like forever, while talk for changes have been heard over the last couple years . Talk hasn’t got them that far.

(Image Sources: passyunkpost.com)

A zoning use change was updated last week which has approved the building for 11 new apartments. Interior demolition permits had been approved last year. Although no construction permits have been approved yet. So please don’t hold your breath hoping to see a bulldozer. Dickinson Square West Civic Association has been actively involved in following the progress of this development. You can also join the community and voice your opinions and concerns at their general membership meeting, Tuesday, October 15th at 7 p.m. at Mt. Moriah Church (410 Wharton Street). We look forward to following this new development and hope to see some construction permits sooner than later.